I have not graduated high school, and I don’t do well in school; do I need my high school diploma and other courses to enter the seminary? At what age I can do so?

by Fr. Anthony Bannon, LC | Source:

Q. Dear Fr. Anthony,

I am a 17-year-old teen. I have had my calling since I was 12. I had an amazing priest tell me once that he knew I was going to be a priest and that one day I would get such a calling. I have had this calling. My question is: I have not graduated high school, and I don’t do well in school; do I need my high school diploma and other courses to enter the seminary? At what age I can do so?

- Daniel

A. Dear Daniel,

You will certainly need to have your high school diploma in order to enter a seminary and study directly for the priesthood. If you struggle in school you should keep at it, and offer up your efforts to God each day. Studies are necessary but not the most important part of becoming a priest. It is more important that you be a good person, honest, holy, hardworking, charitable, and especially that you love Christ very personally.

Normally you can enter a college seminary right after high school, but this depends on the diocese or religious order you want to join. So, if you want to be a priest in your home diocese speak to the vocation director to see what he recommends, or if you are interested in a religious order get in touch with them for the same reason.

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